White Wizzard

Latest White Wizzard News

Below is our complete White Wizzard news coverage, including columns and articles pertaining to the band. Some articles listed may be indirectly related, such as side projects of the band members, etc.

The Los Angeles-based WHITE WIZZARD, who have proudly flown the flag of traditional heavy metal for the past decade, have unveiled a music video for their eight-minute epic “Chasing Dragons.” The clip, which premiered yesterday, can be seen on YouTube below:

American heavy metal outfit White Wizzard has posted a new video online for the song, "Chasing Dragons." You can check it out below. The song comes from the group's latest studio album, "Infernal Overdrive," which was released last January and consists of the following songs:

Based out of Los Angeles, California, Witherfall is the collective brainchild of guitarist Jake Dreyer (Iced Earth, Kobra And The Lotus, White Wizzard), singer/keyboardist Joseph Michael (ex-White Wizzard, Sanctuary) and the late Adam Sagan (Circle II Circle, Into Eternity).

Today the band releases their new video for the song 'Portrait' taken from their full-length debut, "Nocturnes and Requiems". The video was post-production on the video was completed by renowned producer/director Eduardo Rodriguez known for: Fright Night 2 and El Gringo.

True American metal band White Wizzard finally unveils concrete plans regarding the long anticipated new album. Earlier this year, band leader and bassist Jon Leon announced the return of classic members to the band's ranks: vocalist Wyatt “Screaming Demon” Anderson and guitarist James J. LaRue. The band has also inked a deal with M-Theory Audio.

Most of 2017 was spent crafting the finest offering to date, helmed once again by producer Ralph Patlan (Megadeth, UFO, Flotsam and Jetsam). Entitled "Infernal Overdrive," the band’s fourth full-length will be released January 12th on CD and gatefold double vinyl (Preorder now at this location).

"Infernal Overdrive" is over an hour long and captures all the ingredients of past White Wizzard work, but expands upon the template with seasoned maturity, outstanding musicianship and a widening of influences including ‘70s hard rock and progressive rock/metal.

“We’re very excited to FINALLY release the official artwork and title for our new album, 'Infernal Overdrive.' Despite madness and delays we’ve persevered through hard work and determination and this album has finally come to be,” explains Jon Leon. “This is, in everyone’s opinion, a special album and what we feel is our best work to date. It has a lot of dynamics and amazing vocals by Wyatt with stunning lead guitar by James J. LaRue.

"The cover art for the album was created by a fan in the UK named Christopher Hardy, who did a killer job based on my latest Pontiac GTO, as well as a bunch of cool pieces for each individual song; which will definitely make it to a couple t-shirts! I am very proud of the work we have all done on this album. It's something that upon writing it I felt was going to be special, and it's turned out to exceed even my highest expectations. Thanks to the fans, especially all the Kickstarter donators who can finally expect to see their packages close to release date. We can't wait to see you all on tour and cannot thank you all enough for the amazing support and passion.” More...

2017 marks the return of the true metal crusaders from White Wizzard. Mainman and bassist Jon Leon returns energized and re-joined by classic members vocalist Wyatt “Screaming Demon” Anderson and guitarist James J. LaRue for a new album of timeless heavy metal coming via M-Theory Audio.

"White Wizzard is very excited to be signing with Marco Barbieri and M-Theory Audio. I’ve had several talks with Marco about his new label over the past few months and felt we shared a similar vision,” explains Jon Leon.

He goes on to say, “I came away feeling he was a really good guy and in the music industry for the RIGHT reasons and I felt like I could trust him, which is rare for me in this business. That inspired me to take a chance on someone that is on a path that I feel will be successful. Marco has a lot of passion for music and I am hopeful we can both find greater heights through this venture. White Wizzard has been through a lot of adversity and this album means a lot for many different reasons and it's something we are all very proud of. With Wyatt ‘Screaming Demon’ Anderson and James J. LaRue back in the band we have the best of our past whilst creating a vision to take it to the next level with a powerful dynamic musical force.” More...

It's finally happening: three years after "The Devil's Cut" and following the band's death and resurrection, White Wizzard is gearing up to release "The Infernal Overdrive." The band comments:

"'The Infernal Overdrive' final leads and overdubs will be finished soon then after the holiday the album will be mixed in January! This is a very special album and we cannot wait for you all to hear it! Once it is mixed we will reach out to all donators. Thanks again and have a merry Christmas!"

After the band's utter implosion back in 2013 and then return earlier this year to crowd fund a new album, Jon Leon of White Wizzard has now issued this thank you letter to fans and update on the impending album release:

"In the winter of 2013 I was massively depressed and ready to quit music all together. I did not even pick up a guitar, and was immersed in a haze of self doubt and escapism. I was certain that I would never do another true White Wizzard album.

"I did have a song I had written at the end of our Ill fated final tour that I wanted to record to channel out some of that final musical energy I am infected with that inspires these songs....it wouldn't leave me.

"I always write our vocal melodies along with the lyrics and decided to sing this one for no reason other than just to get it out of me. I had no interest in working with another singer. The result was a song called marathon of dreams. It turned out pretty cool and I think it was an important thing for me to do at that time. I knew many would slag it off but I did not care ....fuck critics! I thought I did a pretty good job.

"I felt that would be the end of White Wizzard...kind of a final goodbye from its founder / songwriter. I decided to start embarking on a solo acoustic project aeons from anything WW. However over time songs just inevitable kept coming and getting better and better. They were unquestionably WW songs. I just could not escape this little demon I am possessed with that just channels these words and this music. More...

After announcing its return from the grave, White Wizzard has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund and release upcoming album "Infernal Overdrive." The band has another 17 days to reach the goal of $9,500 - you can take part in the campaign and see all the perks for contributing right here.

Looks like White Wizzard is back in action, as Jon Leon just issued the following announcement about bringing back a former member and working on a new album:

"White Wizzard is proud and excited to welcome back original founding lead guitarist and ex-Holy Grail/Vindicator guitarist James J Larue. A new album is still in the works and we hope to have some more surprises for you in the coming months leading up to its release.

"James J Larue played a very important part in the early formation of White Wizzard. He was there investing with me and pushing hard every step of the way. His guitar contributions to the high speed GTO song and EP are world class and I have personally never played with a better guitarist and musician.

"The chemistry is stronger than ever and we look forward to the new album in 2016."

"Excited to announce that we will be going independent and we have mutually parted company with Earache records. We wish them the best.

"This has been a decision made before the tour over the past couple of months. I appreciate the initial interest in White Wizzard and hope other bands that are with them do well. I am currently in the process of forming my own record label which shall be called White Wizzard records. I plan to form a couple of other projects next year.

"The guys in the band will now have an actual vested interest in making some $ from album sales and our merchandise which is fantastic. I will be releasing a blog soon with some advice on record labels and how I think most bands should avoid that road and the pros and cons. One silver lining is we have had some great singers come forward with interest and I think we should be announcing someone within a few days, and I wrote a song I am excited about yesterday and am about to get on a writing tear I believe.

"While guys that have been fired by me that have an agenda will continue to spew nonsense and lies trying to stir the pot and hurt the band, I will continue to write songs and put out music. We will not keep the shit flying back and forth. We will just wish them well and get on with it. I know the music is what counts and it is why I got into this, not for the dumb shit. The fans do not want to hear the crap, they want to hear good songs.

"In the end the truth is on our side and our intentions are nothing more than to make great music. Here is to a positive outlook in the coming months."

Just days after the bizarre incidents that lead to White Wizzard's split with vocalist Joseph Michael, founder/bassist Jon Leon has announced that the band would cancel the remaining dates of the tour. The band was scheduled to continue the tour tomorrow in Germany with Dragonsclaw/Ex-Warlord vocalist Giles Lavery, but it appears it will not happen. In addition, the future of the band has yet to be determined, as Leon stated:

"Well everyone this really pains me to put up this press release. Due to Joseph Michael refusing to perform and numerous other issues once again with a lead singer, the 4 of us and the band Monument have decided it is best to bow out of this current tour and cut our losses. This cancellation is the 100 percent fault of Joseph Michael and his refusal to perform with us for his own selfish reasons.

"I have also determined that he has been lying to everyone about his relation to Ronnie James Dio. It is a flat out lie. Plain and simple. We have had numerous issues with him over the past year, but lying about that is a huge deal to me and led to the arguments I had with him on this current tour which snowballed into this....and of course his refusal to perform 2 shows for his own personal reasons and games when a crowd of fans is waiting were just too much to deal with. He is probably spreading a ton of lies about me as we speak, to which I say believe what you want. The guy is full of stories. No money has been stolen I assure you. The rest of the band can attest to that.

"I understand this sucks for the fans. This band has been spinal tap and I know since it is my band most will blame me, but there is plenty of blame to go around over the years I assure you. I am an easy scapegoat though. I think at this point our priorities will be to fulfill the indie gogo now that we will be home early and take some time off. We will be including an extra shirt for every fan for the delay.

"We really appreciate those of you that have stuck with us over time. Thank you to all the fans especially in Cardiff and London for kicking ass in support on that difficult night. We love you all. The future of the band shall be determined over some time off."

After apparently splitting with the band's vocalist in the middle of a tour last night, White Wizzard has now issued the following statement about the situation and who will be stepping in for vocal duties:

"White Wizzard want to release a brief statement on singer Joseph Michael. Last night in Cardiff Wales, Joseph Michael left a crowd of fans sitting in the venue waiting to see White Wizzard, sat in a pub across the street and refused to perform the show for extremely selfish reasons.

"The band soldiered on with Peter Ellis and Jon Leon handling vocals. It was hugely unprofessional on his part. Due to these actions, we have secured another singer for mainland Europe named Giles Lavery.

"Sadly, due to this any many other problems over the past several months, it is without question we must move on and immediately make a change. Joseph is making very false and erroneous claims on his Facebook site unfortunately about Jon and the band, but without getting into a war of words we will just simply say he is lying and making a desperate attempt to hurt the band and Jon to cover up his very unprofessional actions.

"The rest of us are determined to move on, and we all assure you we are united and everything is fine within the rest of the group. We will do our best to move on. See ya out there! Thanks for all the fans support last night and beyond." More...

White Wizzard has posted the following message online via Facebook about splitting with the band's vocalist mid-tour and seeking a fan to replace him:

"So fans of the Wizzard in London here is the deal. Joseph Michael fucked off our gig in Cardiff and left us screwed, sat in a bar and refused to perform the show.

"Though Peter and Jon came through and saved the day and sang some tunes, and actually had an amazing memorable gig... if there is anyone that can bring it on some Wizzard tunes that wants to get up and do 5 or 6 songs tomorrow night we will give you the chance.... Jon and Peter will handle some tunes and we will make it a party.

"If we find a guy good enough.... hey you can do the euro tour. Here is a chance for a fan that can sing... if not we may get a few guys up and just have fun with it. Yes our luck with singers is legendary and yes this is spinal tap but hey fuck it. We will carry on.

"The 4 of us are determined to not let it stop us. We thank every fan and will bring it tomorrow we assure you. Thanks for all your support. God help us find a decent singer that is dependable and a good guy!! That is all we ask. Here is to hoping and if anything one memorable night upcoming in London." More...

On Monday, August 26th, Carvin's Hollywood store will host its first-ever guitar exposition from 5-6PM.

Presented by Century Media Records, Dunlop Manufacturing, and Cleartone Strings, "Shreds of Insanity" will feature performances by four young guitar virtuosos on the rise in metal with special guest Francesco Artusato of All Shall Perish.

Participants will include Rick Di Marco of Death Division, Dave Silver of Savage Messiah, Parker Jameson of Starkill, and Jake Dreyer of White Wizzard.

As the name suggests, these shredders will demonstrate skills in various forms, including head-to-head solo duels. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to ask questions and win prizes such as a pair of tickets to see Wintersun, Arsis, Fleshgod Apocalypse, and Starkill that night at House of Blues Sunset Strip, a free subscription to Decibel Magazine, and more goodies from Century Media, Nuclear Blast, and Earache Records.

White Wizzard has confirmed dates for a full European headlining tour, which kicks off on September 27th in Brighton, England.

The band will be hitting the road in support of new studio album, "The Devils Cut," starting with a string of recently announced U.K. shows, followed by stops in Germany, Denmark, Italy, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. White Wizzard bassist and mainman Jon Leon comments:

"We are very excited to get back over to Europe. Giovanni and I have worked hard to get a solid line-up of guys that will actually tour and stick it out and to make White Wizzard a stable entity for the fans. We appreciate all of our fans being so patient and supportive. What we have now is a line-up that has been together over a year that is very dedicated and serious. The fans will finally get to see the five guys that recorded the album and we promise we will not disappoint.

"This is only the beginning as we are already writing the next album and we are hungry to finally see the band through to its intended vision. If you dig the album, just wait until you see this group of guys live. We are on a mission in its first stages and we hope you come along for the ride. It is going to be a blast!!!" More...

White Wizzard has announced a special album release show at The Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood on July 9th.

The band will be celebrating the release of brand new studio album, "The Devils Cut," which is due to be released in the USA on June 25th via Century Media/Earache Records. White Wizzard will be joined at the event by melodic power metallers Death Dealer.

View the flyer for the album release show at this location. White Wizzard bassist and mainman Jon Leon comments:

"White Wizzard are really thrilled to play a dual CD release show with the awesome new band, Death Dealer. We have played with Cage and Ross the Boss in the past so this should be a great local show for both bands. We are also excited to use this show to debut new material from our new album, The Devils Cut, out on June 25th via Century Media. Make sure you come out and support!"

"The Devils Cut" is out now in Europe on CD and limited edition coloured vinyl LP. The album features artwork by Cameron Davis, who is known for his work as lead character designer and illustrator for the Guitar Hero video game series. More...

In anticipation of the band's upcoming album's release, White Wizzard is now streaming this new effort, "The Devils Cut," in full online.

Due out on June 25th in the USA via Century Media/Earache Records, The Devils Cut can be heard in its entirety at Rockhard.de or through the player below. The following press release was also issued about the band:

"Since their inception in 2007, Los Angeles' White Wizzard has stuck to their manifesto of delivering classic, denim-and-leather heavy metal to the masses. Following the triumphs and critical acclaim that accompanied their first two albums, Over The Top (2010) and Flying Tigers (2011), White Wizzard has now returned with a brand new slab of high-speed heavy metal for this summer.

"The band's main-man, Jon Leon, spent months crafting the nine songs that make up The Devils Cut before heading to the studio with a refreshed line-up of musicians to lay down the tracks. The man behind the distinctive vocal chords is Joseph Michael, ably backed up by the shredding might of Jake Dreyer and Will Wallner and the precision drumming of Giovanni Durst-- making White Wizzard one of the most volatile forces in the US heavy metal movement!" More...